Student wins international architecture award

Mr Langlois' vision was for a redevelopment involving low-cost housing, self-sufficient food cultivation and soap production

An architecture student from Guernsey has been selected from worldwide applicants for an award.

James Langlois was presented with the EU Mies Van Der Rohe Young Talent Open 2025 award at a ceremony in Venice.

Eighty nominees were considered for the award, which recognises student work from member countries of the Council of Europe, South East Asia and Australasia.

Mr Langlois won the prize for his final student project, Poolside Politics, which involved the restoration of the site of a community swimming pool on the outskirts of Marseille, France.

'Honour to win'

Mr Langlois grew up and was educated in Guernsey but now works for a London architectural practice and will take his final exams to become a Chartered Architect next year.

His interest in architecture grew from involvement in his parents' island-based architectural practice.

He said: "It's an honour to win this award, I could never have imagined that my architectural education would be recognised in a moment like this."

Mr Langlois attended Liverpool University School of Architecture where he was nominated for the RIBA President's Bronze Award.

James Langlois was presented with the award in Venice

He achieved a distinction in his Architectural MA at the University of Westminster where he was nominated for the RIBA President's Silver Award and received the RIBA West London Best Student Project Award.

Mr Langlois said he proposed a citizen led project for the Marseille site, which included low-cost housing, self-sufficient food cultivation and re-established local industry through the production of historic soap.